How to prepare for a tornado

UPDATE: Tornado watch issued for Central Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Central Virginians are bracing for the risk of high to severe storms, which could produce tornadoes on Monday. It's important to know how to prepare for the possibility of a tornado.

On Monday, March 16, strong to severe storms are making their way into Central Virginia in the early afternoon to evening hours, moving from west to east of the city of Richmond.

Our StormTracker8 team expects damaging winds of 58 mph or greater, which is believed to be the area's greatest threat. Our team also expects a chance of tornado activity and hail up to 1 inch in diameter.

Central Virginia is in the 15% risk category for tornadoes, meaning 15% of storms that form could produce tornadoes.

At around 11 a.m. that Monday, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a tornado watch for all of Central Virginia.

According to the NWS, a tornado watch is issued when severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area.

"It does not mean that they will occur," NWS officials said. "It only means they are possible."

Meanwhile, a tornado warning is issued when a tornado is imminent.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) is sharing how you should prepare before the event of a tornado:

• Identify safe rooms or protective locations at home, school or work before a tornado threat arises so that you have a plan for where to go for safety when a tornado warning is issued.
• Be alert to changing weather conditions and time in to NOAA weather radio, local media and social media for the latest information.
• Look for the following danger signs: dark, often greenish sky; large hail; large, dark, low-lying cloud formation or rotation; or a loud roar similar to a freight train.
• Have an emergency communication plan in place for your family.
• Build an emergency kit by downloading VDEM's checklist online.

For a more detailed, up-to-date forecast, check out our StormTracker8 daily forecast here.